GolfTDI

Ok, I am new to the board. $ of my family members drive MBs (SLK Kompressor, C Coupe, CLK 430, E320). I'm a VW loyalist and plan to keep my current commuter Golf TDI. I'd LOVE a 99 E300 DT, but that ain't happenin due to price. My grandmother will be selling her 98 E320 next year (they trade every 5 years religiously), and I *MAY* make them an offer. I typically like my big sedans to be black and V8 powered, but hers is Champagne. Of all colors, why did she pick that one! It has 35k, the trans has been replaced (not sure why) early in its life, all 4 wheels will need replecement due to curbage, and the paint will need a thorough buffing (a major detail job would be good). I'm first trying to figure out what to offer, keeping in mind they will probably give me a sweetheart deal. The main question is, what is the overall record of the first-year V6 cars? This thing has seen almost NOTHING but feather-footed city driving. Oil is changed when the computer tells her to. What top 3 performance upgrades are available for these cars? Opinions please!

E55 KEV

Woman our partial to lighter colors!

Not really any 'affordable' performance upgrades which would increase HP. Kleemann supercharger for E320 is $9500 plus installation - 330HP.

If you can afford it:

1. Get the AMG body kit. (that black trim at the bottom looks terrible on light color cars)
2. At least a Plus-1 upgrade to AMG Monoblock II with 235/45/17 Performance tires.
3. AMG Exhaust with dual chrome tips (mild tone). If bigger sound is desired go with an Eisenmann or Remus (plus cheaper). Good Luck.

Lightman

I hate to be biased, but find a '98 E300 if you can't swing a '99. Can't speak of how much better this engine is than the 320 gasser. I know of several people with '96 or '97 non turbo E300's with over 150k on them and still going with no problems, but to be honest, they are pretty damn slow.

I say go for the E300 and throw a little biodiesel in there while you're at it =]

Air Marshall Eldritch

Kev:
What is your opinion on the Upsolute mod? It's relatively cheap at around $300 all told, and it supposedly gives you a 20-25hp bump.

-rb

E55 KEV

Sorry, I have no personal knowledge or heard any rumors whatsoever on the Upsolute upgrade.

Lightman

I'm very familiar with upsolute chips, as they are extremely popular in the TDI community, because the tdi is so damn slow(believe me , I have one). The chips really work well on diesels and turbos, but dont offer much gain on normally aspirated gasoline engines..

Also these chips have a lot of side effects. Every TDI that is 2000+ has to have the clutch replaced/upgraded, because the added torque makes the stock clutch slip and eventually break....The added stress undoubtedly will cost more on the benz than the Vw..... just a thought...

Air Marshall Eldritch

Thanks Lightman...interesting point.

I wonder what a 20hp/20 lb torque gain would do to an automatic tranny? Any guess?